To improve its MySpeed app, TRAI seeks help from Ookla

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is reportedly planning to approach private firms like Ookla to revamp its MySpeed app. The MySpeed app measures mobile data speeds of Indian telecom operators. Recently, the application was criticized by some telecom operators alleging that its testing methodology is wrong.

TRAI is seeking to improve the methodology of its app from some private service providers including the US-based Ookla that provide the analysis of data speed metrics. Also, the telecom regulator is looking forward to making the evaluation method more transparent after consultation with its stakeholders.

RS Sharma, the Chairman of TRAI said, “We have also contacted Ookla and others. We are trying to understand what their methods are. We would like all stakeholders to sit together and come to a conclusion over most appropriate methodology.”

Moreover, TRAI will be taking suggestions from the telecom operators as well on the said issue. “We will sit together with the operators and take their suggestions as what should be an agreed methodology so there are no such complaints,”, he added.

TRAI’s MySpeed app constantly rated Reliance Jio as the fastest 4G network in India. However, on the other side, Ookla rated Airtel as the fastest network in India. Reliance Jio even lodged a complaint against Bharti Airtel and Ookla. Notably, Ookla’s speed test results showed Reliance Jio was offering very slow 4G speeds in India.

TRIA is taking various steps in strengthening its services. Recently, the regulator launched the MyCall service to ensure quality norms for voice calls. Now, the regulator’s focus has been shifted towards revamping the MySpeed app.

“There was a large number of quality of service (norms) for voice (offerings) like call drops. Data has recently started becoming prominent, and voice is now an application on top of data. So, there is a need to have much better grip on the QoS in the data world,” TRAI Chairman added.

Moreover, TRAI will also release a white paper by the end of this month, which consists regulator’s views on data speed issue.